E-collar Training

E-collar Use – When To Use The Nick Or The Continuous Stim

Leslie asks: I am unsure of when to use the nick or the continuous stim. button on my remote with the e collar. I have only used the nick, for example at a low setting when the dog seems to be walking too far in front of me while off leash, as a reminder that I should be his focus. I use the collar at a higher setting if he doesn’t follow my command while off leash. He may be sniffing when I tell him to come and his response is not immediate so I say “no” nick button then issues come command. I have also used the nick button when he barks at the doorbell even when I have told him “quiet”. He also seems to be “transmitter smart” and will stop barking if he sees me get the transmitter. I love training this dog and I love how responsive he is. I want to get it right and not confuse him. – Thanks, Leslie.

Adam replies: Hi, Leslie:

At this point in your training, the dog needs to be wearing a training collar, any time he’s with you and not in the crate. Reference: Three Keys To Successful Behavior Modification, in the book.

I only use the nick feature. Continuous stim is a different approach to the e-collar where the trainer pushes the button (keeping it down) on a low level, says the command, and then releases the button when the dog does the behavior. Some trainers (Jim Dobbs) are masterful at using this approach. I’ve tested it quite extensively and it is not a training style that is either easy to get quick results with, or easy on the dog if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing. Avoid using the continuous stim, unless you’re working with a trainer who can help you with it.

As for your off leash usage: What you’re going to want to do is this, instead: Call him and give him a tap (stim) immediately as you call him. Do it every time, and you’ll see that he develops instant response to your commands. You’ll get to a point where he’s so conditioned, you probably won’t even need to use the stim every time, after a few months. But most e-collar trainers (myself included) will tell you that if you’re working the dog around various and different distractions in his life, reinforcement is forever. It’s just a way of communicating with the dog.

 

{ 0 comments }

E-collar For The Ambulation Impaired Dog Handler

Hi Adam, I’ve been reading the comments about the E-collar and the whole concept is quite interesting. We have never used one before; however, we know of someone who had good success with perimeter training and quieting the bark on their toy dog. My husband, who used to do all the training of our dogs, [...]

Read the full dog training article →

You’ve got a dog that just keeps barking

Here’s the deal: You’ve got a dog that just keeps barking when you leave him in his kennel run or in the back yard. You’ve already exercised him and you know that he’s not barking at anything in specific. Let’s face it: Sometimes dogs just bark because it’s fun. And then it becomes a habit. [...]

Read the full dog training article →

Recommendations For Buying A Remote Electronic Training Collar

At the link below, you’ll find the remote electronic training collars that I recommend. It is important that a remote electronic training collar (an “e-collar” for short) have at least the following features: – Seven levels of stimulation. You must have the flexibility to adapt the motivation of the stimulation to MATCH your dog’s temperament. [...]

Read the full dog training article →

More Questions On Training With The Electronic Collar

1a. WHY should one use an electronic collar rather than clicker, treat or other methods not involving any pain? The first time I heard about dog training with an electronic collar, I imagined the Electro-Shock Treatment scene from the old Frankenstein movies. But once you open your mind and move past the negative hype and [...]

Read the full dog training article →

The Electronic Collar vs. the Association of Pet Behavior Counselors

An article published in a recent issue of Canine Times (you can subscribe to this free e-zine by going to: http://www.cfnaonline.com/caninetimes/) states that, “The Association of Pet Behavior Counselors condemns the widespread use of devices which deliver electric shocks to dogs for the purpose of training or curing behavior problems,” The article later states that, [...]

Read the full dog training article →

Adam’s Guide To Buying A Remote Electronic Training Collar

Adam’s Guide To Buying A Remote Electronic Training Collar (Also referred to as an E-collar) Below you’ll find the remote electronic training collars that I recommend. It is important that a remote electronic training collar (an “e-collar” for short) have at least the following features: Multiple levels of stimulation (more than three).  You must have the [...]

Read the full dog training article →

Owner Inadvertently Misusing His Electronic Collar

(Adam’s response are denoted below.) [DAVID WRITES: ] Dear Adam: I have read your book a couple of times, and have recommended it to several of the folks who attended the obedience class with me  (Which after reading your book I realized what a waste the class was). Ok Ok, so I’m done sucking up [...]

Read the full dog training article →